PILOTS working for Ryanair in Ireland are set to strike next week in a dispute over trade union recognition.

Members of the Irish Airline Pilots Association (Ialpa) - part of the Impact trade union -  are taking action in a bid for their union to negotiate over pay rather than Ryanair-imposed employee forums.

The airline says it will "face down" the strike and claims to have offered pilots a 20 per cent pay deal. 

Bosses have threatened those taking part in the action saying they would lose benefits, including guarantees over rosters and pay, and be denied promotion.

A Ryanair statement said: “Like any group of workers, Ryanair’s very well-paid pilots are free to join unions, but like every other multinational, Ryanair is also free, under both Irish and EU law, to decline to engage with unions.”

Impact said Ryanair is the only Irish-based airline that refuses to recognise unions and the dispute is “solely about winning independent representation for pilots."

Pilots will walk out next Wednesday. while crew and pilots in Italy will strike tomorrow (Fri).

Ryanair has warned cabin crews that action by any one member will see their entire base lose rights to transfers or promotions.